Alvaston Derby launched Neighbourhood Charter
15th Nov 2020
The Alvaston Neighbourhood Partnership held an event with their residents at the beginning of last year and after making us aware of some big issues they were facing in the community, Greenfingers were on hand to help.
The local area was prone to anti-social behaviour, poverty, dog fouling and fly-tipping. When compared to national statistics, unemployment rates, poor health and child poverty were all higher than the national average for this community. So, with the support of Derby City Council, Clarion Housing set out to do something about it and make a difference to the community.
The key themes that needed to be addressed were:
- Health and wellbeing
- Employment and training
- Growing your own and caring for the environment
- Clean, tidy and green neighbourhoods
- Community pride
To do this, they decided to introduce a neighbourhood charter. This would provide the community with a chance to make a positive difference and be proud of where they live. A great neighbourhood is safe, secure and clean, whilst providing everyone with a great green space to enjoy.
In the hope to increase healthy living and quality of life, Clarion Housing and Greenfingers worked together to keep the neighbourhood tidy and well maintained. So, in October 2020 they decided to launch this local offer with partners and residents for Halloween. This involved recruiting champions for the area who could raise the profile of the local area and planning for a full 5-day event.
David, one of the champions said “I’m so pleased to have been selected, I decided to volunteer because I care about the area and feel that we can really make a difference together. I want to try and create a bit of positivity at this hard time.”
The selected champions for the local area will support the community with estate inspections and the running of local activities under the key themes to be addressed within Alvaston.
During the week-long event, various themes ran throughout but the key support from Greenfingers was for the ‘Growing your own and caring for the environment’ day. The vision for the area was to clear the current allotment for the local community which was in a really bad state so that they can grow and pick fresh fruit and vegetables again. This way they have access to affordable healthy living right on their doorstep.
One resident had some brilliant ideas for getting the community more involved. For example, suggesting in spring they could encourage children to make bee houses which would help with pollination at the allotment. As well as, making a hedgehog hotel, hosting the biggest sunflower competition and a pumpkin making day for next year.
Resident Kelly also commented that ‘The allotment is coming on nicely now and I’m very excited to see its development. A big thanks to Greenfingers who did a great job clearing the allotment’.
Tia Loving, Director at Greenfingers said “Greenfingers just love being involved with projects that are based in the communities we work in. The partnership we have with Clarion Housing is fantastic and with this ‘Grow your own’ idea we just jumped at the chance of being involved. The day was a roaring success and a real ray of light and warmth in the current situation the country is in. We look forward to seeing the residents take hold of the allotment and we can’t wait to taste the first spring offerings of their delicious produce.”
If you would like to find out more about the projects Greenfingers are involved in or think we may be interested in supporting your next community scheme, please get in touch.
